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The 2024 Solar Eclipse - Shelby County Style

A total solar eclipse is a rare and spectacular event. On average, one happens somewhere on the Earth once every 1.5 years but only 21 solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 in the entire history of the United States.

The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse will not be visible in Ohio until the year 2099.

The “path of totality” during a solar eclipse is the path that the moon’s shadow falls onto the Earth’s surface. On April 8, 2024, the centerline for the path of totality will dissect Shelby County entering in the vicinity of Fort Loramie and existing near Botkins. To witness the 2024 solar eclipse in all its splendor, viewing along the path of totality is optimal. Outside of the path of totality, one will only see a partial eclipse.

Totality enters the southwest corner of Shelby County at approximately 3:09 p.m. and exits the northeast corner of Shelby County around 3:14 p.m. Excellent viewing locations will be numerous in this area including the City of Sidney, Villages of Fort Loramie, Russia, Botkins, Anna, & Jackson Center, each very close to the centerline on the path of totality.

PUBLIC SPACES FOR VIEWING

Anna (3:57 minutes of totality)

Anna Community Park

592 West Main Street

Botkins (3:58 minutes of totality)

Botkins Community Park

Botkins Road

Fort Loramie (3:58 minutes of totality)

Redskin Memorial Park

605 East Park Street

Lake Loramie State Park

605 East Park Street

4401 Fort Loramie – Swanders Road

(937) 295-2011

Jackson Center (3:56 minutes of totality)

Tiger Trail Park

806 South Main Street

Russia (3:56 minutes of totality)

Russia Community Park

School Street

Sidney (3:52 minutes of totality)

Custenborder Fields

449 Riverside Drive

(937) 498-8155

Tawawa Civic Park

12 Tawawa Drive

(937) 498-8155

CAMPING, VIEWING PARTIES, & MORE

Experience the Eclipse: a once in a lifetime total eclipse camping experience at beautiful Hickory Hill Lakes campground, home to the annual Country Concert. You’ll camp 3 nights beginning Saturday April 6th thru Tuesday April 9th, enjoy food trucks on site along with great live entertainment Saturday and Sunday nights. A DJ will be on hand Monday afternoon for added fun during the Solar Eclipse. Deluxe electric and water hookups available. No RV | No Problem. D&D RV will deliver, setup, and instruct you on the use of a rental RV. It’s easy. They do the work. You show up and have fun. CLICK TO LEARN MORE…    

Shelby County Fairgrounds: The Fairgrounds in Sidney will offer camping with electric service on April 5th thru April 9th for $255. Conveniently close to many local restaurants and bars, the Fairgrounds is an ideal location to set up for the weekend to enjoy the many local attractions prior to Mondays’ cosmic event. Food Trucks include Crossway Farms, Adams Apple, Boy Scouts, Mark Beouger – Honey, Adam Buckner – Lemonade, Iced Coffees – Coffees and Drinks, Downs Concessions, J’s Lip Smakin’ Wings, La Granja Mexican Food, Oh Crepe, Wanna Be Tacos, and Keyhole Pizza on the Go.
Live entertainment will be offered all weekend. Non-camping guests (walk-ins) are welcome to enjoy the food trucks and live entertainment. CLICK TO LEARN MORE…

Sidney High School Athletic Boosters will be selling parking for eclipse enthusiasts to witness this spectacular event. Our student-athletes and family members will be working to give viewers a good experience. Parking on the Sidney City Schools athletic and school campus boasts 1,200 paved parking spaces and 100 acres of green space with unobstructed views. 7,500 seat stadium viewing. Shelter in the event of inclement weather. Access to nearby Shelby County Fairgrounds with food trucks and other activities. Three on-site food options. Proceeds from this sale will benefit more than 1,000 student-athletes involved in the Sidney Athletics Department from grades 5-12. CLICK FOR MORE INFO AND TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE.

Lehman Catholic High School: Adjacent to I-75 for easy on-off access to the highway, Lehman High School is offering paved parking from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a cost of $100 per space with no limit on the number of passengers per vehicle. Restrooms available with plenty of green space to enjoy your view of the eclipse. Visit LehmanEclipse.com for more information.

Cargill – Sidney: Park your car at Cargill for $60! The parking lots at Cargill will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting three local non-profit agencies – Shelby County CASA/GAL, Senior Center of Sidney Shelby County, Samaritan Works. CLICK TO LEARN MORE.

A Total Eclipse of the Farm: The weekend of Ohio’s Total Solar Eclipse, Vandemark Farm in Sidney will offer camping, zip line, a giant swing, unlimited mini golf, a petting zoo, kids play area, concessions, and of course eclipse viewing located just 2 minutes off I75. Not only close to the highway, but Vandemark Farm is conveniently located to all area restaurants, attractions, and other points of interest. CLICK FOR MORE AND TO SAVE YOUR PLACE. 

Sidney First United Methodist Church is offering parking for $40 per vehicle at two downtown Sidney locations; 230 East Poplar Street and 230 East North Street.

The First Church of the Nazarene: 158 paved parking spaces await at the Church for cars and trucks (NO campers or oversized vehicles please). Each reserved space includes 4 pair of eclipse glasses. The Sushi Hikari food truck and K&J’s Ice Cream will be on site all day. Live entertainment is planned. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. at 1899 Wapakoneta Avenue in Sidney. CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE.

The Northtowne Church of God in Sidney is offering parking for $60 per space and boxed lunches for $10 each. The Church is located at 2008 Wapakoneta Avenue and those interested can visit their events page on Facebook LINKED HERE.

Anna: Located on I75, the Village of Anna Community Park is offering a convenient and spacious viewing opportunity along with food and beverage service sponsored by the local Boy Scouts. CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Botkins: Located on I75, Botkins Community Park is hosting a viewing only opportunity (no camping) with convenient parking at both the park and adjacent Botkins School. School parking opens at 6:00 a.m. Parking at the Park opens at 7:30 a.m. Both are first come, first serve and will be closed once at capacity. A nominal fee will be charged fee to park your vehicle, but an easy exit with immediate access to I75 is a bonus.

Just east of Botkins and adjacent to I75, eclipse enthusiasts may want to check out the Bergman farm (18769 Kentner Road) where guests have easy access to the highway and are able to primitive camp for a nominal fee. Parking Only options are also available. Food trucks will be onsite for the enjoyment of guests.  CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK.

Solar Eclipse @ The Palazzo: Hosting a viewing party directly on the centerline of totality. April 8th with food trucks, alcoholic  beverages, indoor restrooms and parking for nominal fee. Lot opens at 9:00 a.m. No campers or oversized vehicles please. CLICK FOR MORE…

Solar Eclipse Patio Party: The Inn Between is throwing a Patio Party on April 8th where their parking lot and field will provide the perfect eclipse viewing location. On the centerline of the path of totality and a quarter-mile off I75, parking spaces are first come first serve. The patio will be open for food, soft drinks, specialty drinks & cocktails. Light breakfast items, snacks, pulled pork box lunches and slices of pizza available throughout the day. Live entertainment by local band “Thick and Thin” from 1 – 4 p.m. FOLLOW THIS EVENT ON FACEBOOK.

Only Believe Church in Botkins and adjacent to I75 is offering parking for a fee. Proceeds from onsite concession sales will benefit Mercy Mission House, a homeless shelter in Sidney. Only Believe Church is located at 13815 Botkins Road.

Fort Loramie: Fort Loramie High School is the place to be where guests can utilize their stadium and any open area on the school grounds for viewing only. On site parking available for a fee. Food trucks across the street at Redskin Memorial Park. Be sure to stop by the Shelby County Pork Producers food stand. You’ll thank us later… CLICK FOR MORE INFORAMTION AND TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.

History buffs, be sure to check out the Wilderness Trail Museum in Fort Loramie while visiting. They will be open Noon to 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday and Monday from 9 am til Noon.

The Loramie Brewing Company will be open all weekend and presenting the band Country Union from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday night.

Lake Loramie State Park: Earl’s Island Pavilion is the place to be for prime eclipse viewing. Primitive and RV camp sites are SOLD OUT at this gem of a state park featuring a 1600 acre lake with 30 miles of shoreline, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop by to enjoy all the other festivities. Holy Smokes BBQ will be serving up great food and cold drinks. Live entertainment on Sunday and Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Admission is FREE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

Lake Loramie State Park has an impressive schedule of Eclipse related activities, educational programming, and all around fun. The links below provide information about EVERYTHING eclipse related AT THE LAKE.

Arrowhead Golf Course is hosting public viewing plus live entertainment April 7th and 8th. You’ll enjoy two live bands on Sunday, another live performance on Monday, food trucks each day, a full bar and soft drinks, souvenir Tshirt & Koozie, safe solar viewing glasses, golf course access, and indoor restrooms. TICKETS REQUIRED. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

Jackson Center is presenting The Tiger Eclipse at Wally Byam Memorial Park located on the east side of the Village at the corner of State Route 274 (Pike Street) and Parkview Drive. All are invited and will enjoy  music,  great food, drinks, and fun activities. By attending, participants will be supporting a newly formed non-profit called Giving-It-For-Tomorrow, an organization that empowers underprivileged communities in Ohio. There will also be a silent auction to benefit those affected by the Indian Lake/Russells Point tornado disaster.   

SPECIALS & OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

Many local restaurants, bars, and area attractions are offering specials too good to miss. Here are some of our favorites…

Who likes pancakes? Silly question maybe, but it you enjoy pancakes like we do, check out the Kiwanis Club of Sidney Pancake Day on Sunday April 7th from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Dine in or carry out a scrumptious meal for only $10. You’ll find ’em at the Elks Lodge, 221 South Main Avenue in downtown Sidney.

 

 

 

Historic Sidney Theatre

120 West Poplar Street, Downtown Sidney

April 6th at 7:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

The Historic Sidney Theatre

110 East Poplar Street, Downtown Sidney

April 7th at 7:00 p.m.

 

 

 

The Historic Sidney Theatre

110 East Poplar Street, Downtown Sidney

April 7th at Midnight

 

 

The Wallace Learning & Innovation Center

115 East North Street, Downtown Sidney

 

 

 

 

MURHPY’S CRAFTBAR + KITCHEN

110 East Poplar Street, Downtown Sidney

 

 

 

The Loramie Brewing Company

17 North Main Street, Fort Loramie, OH

 

 

 

 

OUR CREATIVE MARKETPLACE

310 West Main Street, Anna, OH

 

 

 

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION

NASA – The foremost authority on everything space.

NationalEclipse.com – Comprehensive information about what to expect, eclipse safety, weather, maps, FAQs and more.

EclipseOhio.gov – An excellent source for information about the 2024 eclipse, especially as it pertains to Ohio.

The Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, only 19 miles from Sidney.

 

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